GREATER Anglia bosses are investing more than £20million into train services across Essex after agreeing a two year extension to their franchise.

Department for Transport officials confirmed today Abellio Greater Anglia which took control of the Great Eastern Main Line in February 2012 will keep the franchise until at least October 2016.

The current deal was due to expire in July and Greater Anglia chiefs are promising improvements worth £20m along the line which runs through Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Southend, Billericay and Brentwood.

Among proposals are new carriages, introduction of online compensation service for season ticket holders and improvements to train performance.

Managing director Jamie Burles said: "I am delighted that we have agreed a very positive new contract with the Department for Transport, which will deliver real improvements for customers across our franchise network.

"We have taken a very customer and community-focused approach to the development of this new deal, ensuring that there are tangible benefits for passengers and stakeholders, despite this being a short franchise period, as well as paving the way for further upgrades as part of the longer franchise that will follow from October 2016."